“The surgery went exactly as we planned,” said Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed the 80-minute procedure at Vail Valley Surgery Center in Colorado. “No surprises.”

Rodriguez, his doctors, and the Yankees decided upon the arthroscopic procedure instead of a more aggressive surgery that would have kept the superstar out for about four months. The other option, rest and treatments, was probably never a real possibility. This type of injury is sure to affect the swing of a power hitter such as Rodriguez, and it is hard to imagine that it would not severely limit his mobility at third base. It remains to be seen if he will be back to himself come May after choosing the less aggressive surgery, but early returns from the doctors look promising.

The more aggressive option for surgery will still be needed, but the Yankees and Rodriguez hope they can delay that until the off season so that he would be ready for Spring Training come 2010.

This surgery will allow Rodriguez to begin rehabbing immediately, to include range of motion drills, and stationary bike riding. Within a week, he may even be trying to begin the process of getting his swing and rotation of hips back in shape. Having immediate clearance to begin rehab bodes well for Rodriguez’ chances to hit the field this season. If the injury were more serious, he would have a period of rest between the surgery and rehab.

The Yankees are probably more glad than ever that they signed Mark Teixiera and all that pitching talent in the off season as this will severely hamper a powerful offense. The Yankees are still not short of bats, by any means, but you can not take away a player the stature of Rodriguez and not feel the bump. The full effect of his injury will not truly be felt until the Yankees take the field opening day. It remains to be seen if the Yankees will try to fill the gap in house, or go the free agent route.

That said, should Alex Rodriguez just pack up his needles….err.. toys and go home? It really might not be such a bad idea. Think about it for a moment.

As it stands right now, America and the Yankees are pissed. Yankee fans in particular. The Yankee fans are known to have a short memory, however, and a great start to 2009 would make them forget the steroids in a heartbeat. Now, with Alex having a serious injury, the chances of that happening is slim and none. Regardless of how great he might be with or without HGH, Rodriguez would have to be affected mightily by this injury.

Sure, others have played through the injury. Chase Utley most recently pulled it off and even helped the Phillies to the World Series Championship. The difference here is that Utley was not expected to be great like Arod. Utley did not have to play under the glare of the brightest spotlight in the world. Utley is not Alex Rodriguez. Arod is not going to be able to fly under the radar as Utley was afforded last season for much of the year.

If Alex Rodriguez went home and got the surgery, he could then come back when the injury is healed. This would also allow for the ever loving Yankee passage of time. The roids would get to be old news, and the great Arod could retake his throne as the man that will be the difference for the Yankees once again. Of course this is assuming that Alex does not have more skeletons in his closet that might pop out in 2010……Oh never mind.

Let Alex play hurt. Let the Yankees hate on him for a good long year. Let them self implode from the inside out. It will be good for baseball, and good for Alex. He deserves the punishment after all. Nobody deserves a torn labrum, mind you, but it is ironic is it not? A torn labrum right where the needle likely went in? Maybe the baseball Gods such as Ruth, Mantle, and Maris was sending Alex a sign.

Mark Teixiera – Of all the American League first basemen, Teixiera is the best hitter. He is going to produce some serious runs in the midst of that powerful Yankee lineup. Hitting alongside Alex Rodriguez does that for even an average hitter. Tex is far from average, and is capable of having the once in a lifetime fantasy baseball season that owners are hoping for when they draft him. Teixiera will be very very good in New York. Feel comfortable drafting him very high.

Miguel Cabrera – Cabrera is a picture of consistant excellence. He puts up serious numbers every single year, and you can pretty much pencil in the same for this year. Since his entry into the Major Leagues, he has been one of the best producers in fantasy baseball. He is getting a bit older, but nobody can tell. He is that good.

Justin Morneau – Morneau is one of those hitters that you just know is better than he is showing. He always hovers on the edge of greatness, and one of these years he will cross that line. Justin is going to give you slow, steady results and make you comfortable about that first base position. If he continues on the same path, however, he will not blow you away. He will just give you the usual production, without fireworks. Many owners are quite happy with that and look for the fireworks elsewhere.

Kevin Youkillis – What a season this guy had last year. Unfortunately, I do not see this happening again this year. The guy played a bit out of his mind last season, and a small drop off is to be expected for Youkillis this year. Still, he is better than most first base options out there, and would make a fine draft pick at the position.

Paul Kornerko – Kornerko is kind of the opposite of Youkallis in my opinion. He had a rough year last year, and should be available cheap this year. If you can steal this guy in your fantasy baseball draft, by all means do it. He will return to form this year, which likely means top shelf first basemen numbers like always. He is one of the more steady first basemen in the league much like Morneau.